Intern Experience

Interning at Siloam has been one of the most eye-opening experiences I’ve been blessed with so far. Working with refugees every Monday gives me the chance to work with a population that I never would have otherwise encountered. These patients are always smiling, always gracious, and by far much more patient than I know I would be in their same situation. My favorite times are getting to just sit and color with the kids, but I also love hearing all the different stories from the interpreters. The staff at Siloam as well as all of the case workers and medical interpreters never cease to amaze me with their dedication to the refugees – they truly deeply care for these people in making sure that everything, not just their medical needs, are taken care of. I leave Siloam every week with a huge sense of pride that I get to be a part of such an amazing place.

Temple Barkate

Refugee Hospitality Intern

Vanderbilt University Junior

Sweet Sisters in Slings!

A Volunteer's Prayer

In the Tuesday afternoon prayer circle, a volunteer offered this prayer while fighting back tears, “God, thank you for the many blessings you have given me in my life, but especially for my Siloam family.”

Kate Tanis
Director of Volunteer Services

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

This month has been designated as domestic violence prevention month. Statistics show that one in three women will be abused in her lifetime. There are no boundaries for domestic violence -- it impacts people regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, gender or socioeconomic status. Unfortunately, patients at Siloam are no exception. We have seen the devastating impacts of physical and emotional abuse within the home.

Here are some signs of a dangerous personality:
· Jealousy -- extremely possessive, calls constantly, or visits unexpectedly
· Unrealistic expectations -- expects you to be the perfect woman and meet his needs every time
· Isolation -- tries to cut you off from family and friends
· Blames others for feelings -- he says, “You’re hurting me by not doing what I’m telling you.”
· Verbal Abuse -- constantly criticizes you or says cruel things; degrades, curses, calls you ugly names
· Rigid gender roles -- expects you to serve, obey and remain at home
· Sudden mood swings -- switches from sweet and loving to explosively violent in a matter of minutes
· Threats of violence -- makes statements such as, “I’ll break your neck,” then says “I didn’t really mean it.”

If you suspect that you are in a violent relationship or know someone who is, there are several places in Nashville to get help. Call the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233. They will be able to assist you in locating appropriate agencies to offer safe, temporary housing, counseling, and legal support. Also, talk to your primary care provider for additional information and support.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.” -- Psalm 32:7 NIV

Edie Curtis, BSW
Social Work Intern

Wordless Wednesday

Afternoon Clinic Prayer Circle

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.

-- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Platforms for Sharing The Model

This past Tuesday, Siloam had the privilege of serving as the host site for the statewide meeting of refugee resettlement and social service agencies (Tennessee Refugee Advisory Committee meeting). About 40 people participated in this meeting to discuss resettlement concerns. Siloam has worked with these friends for nearly 10 years, but this is the first time for them to meet at our clinic. It is always a joy to see these folks who have a big heart for serving the new Americans to our communities.

It also charms me to hear these friends express gratitude for Siloam’s model of care that extends beyond a physical assessment to include psychosocial and spiritual concerns. Siloam’s medical director, Dr. Jim Henderson, spoke to the gathering to share Siloam’s model of care. They appreciated that Siloam attempts to convey this model to partnering clinics in Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga who provide care for refugees in those communities. God has truly blessed Siloam by providing this platform for sharing The Model – which reflects His wondrous love.

Mark McCaw
Program Administrator